After finishing with a 91-71 record and making it to the MLB playoffs for the second straight season, the Baltimore Orioles are planning significant changes to their home stadium, Oriole Park at Camden Yards.


Remodeling "The Great Wall of Baltimore"


The left field fence, known as "The Great Wall of Baltimore," is set for its second remodel in recent years. The renovations will lower the wall height from 13 feet to eight feet and move the fences closer by approximately 14 feet in the left field area and about 26 feet towards left-center field and the bullpens.


Humorous Insights from the 2024 MLB Winter Meetings


At the 2024 MLB Winter Meetings, Orioles general manager Mike Elias was asked why the team decided to move the wall again. His answer was both hilarious and revealing: "Because I wanted to sign Tyler O'Neill and Gary Sanchez!" The response caused the MLB Network desk to burst into laughter. O'Neill, who recently signed a three-year, $49.5 million contract with Baltimore, hit 31 home runs for the Boston Red Sox in 2024. Sanchez, known for his top home run-hitting seasons with the Yankees and their "short porch" in the Bronx, signed a one-year deal with the Orioles.


Strategic Benefits


While Elias's answer was delivered with humor, it underscores a strategic move to boost the team's offensive capabilities. The remodel aims to create a more hitter-friendly environment, potentially increasing home run production and enhancing the Orioles' lineup.

Right-hander Walker Buehler, who delivered the final out of the World Series, is now seeking a multi-year contract with opt-out clauses, as reported by ESPN. This type of contract mirrors the deals Cody Bellinger and Jordan Montgomery secured last offseason. The San Francisco Giants, Boston Red Sox, and Detroit Tigers have all expressed interest in Buehler.

Buehler's Performance and Injury Concerns
At 30, Buehler had an impressive postseason run, but his regular season performance left much to be desired, with a 5.38 ERA over 75 ⅓ innings. His career has been marred by injuries, including two Tommy John surgeries. While his stuff showed improvement in October, the overall decline during the regular season and his injury history are likely to keep his market price in check.

Potential Suitors and Contract Structure
Despite these concerns, Buehler remains a coveted asset due to his experience and potential upside. Teams are likely interested in a short-term deal that could include opt-out clauses, providing Buehler with flexibility while mitigating long-term risk for the signing team.

Conclusion
​As the offseason progresses, Walker Buehler’s next destination will be a key storyline to watch. With several teams in the mix, the veteran pitcher’s market will be an interesting development, especially considering his previous postseason heroics and recent injury history.

Late Tuesday night, Buster Posey, the new President of Baseball Operations (POBO) for the San Francisco Giants, met with Corbin Burnes, the 2021 NL Cy Young winner. According to reports from the New York Post, the Giants are making a strong push to bring Burnes to San Francisco. The Toronto Blue Jays are also heavily involved in the pursuit.

With Max Fried and Blake Snell already signed, Burnes stands out as the top available free-agent starter. The Giants have already made a significant move this offseason by signing Willy Adames to a seven-year, $182 million deal. They are also reportedly interested in Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker, showing their ambition to strengthen the team.

Adding Burnes would give the Giants a second ace to pair with Logan Webb, providing much-needed reliability in their starting rotation. The Giants have relied heavily on bullpen games and openers in recent years, and Burnes could be the solution to solidify their pitching staff

At the 2024 Winter Meetings, Astros' GM Dana Brown announced that Houston is open to trading any player, including star right fielder Kyle Tucker, if it means improving their roster. Brown's statement, “I think everybody—you would listen on all the players. I don't think that you would turn a deaf ear to any of these guys," highlights the team's willingness to consider all options.


Trade Speculations and Potential Destinations


According to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, it appears more likely than not that Tucker will be traded this winter, with some predicting a deal could come together soon. MLB Network insider Joel Sherman echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that Tucker's contract demands, influenced by Juan Soto’s record deal, could reach between $300 million to $400 million.


Cubs Leading the Race


Feinsand reports that the Cubs are currently the favorites to land Tucker. Discussions have centered around a trade that would send Tucker to Chicago and bring outfielder Seiya Suzuki and third baseman Isaac Paredes to Houston, according to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal and Chandler Rome.


Trade Complications


However, trading for Suzuki, who has a full no-trade clause, might be challenging for Houston. A league source mentioned that the Cubs are "highly unlikely" to trade him. Instead, they might prefer to move first baseman/outfielder Cody Bellinger in a separate deal, potentially with the Yankees. 


Yankees and Other Interested Teams


MLB Network insider Jon Heyman reports some progress in trade talks between the Yankees and Cubs regarding Bellinger, though there are still financial issues to resolve. The Yankees remain interested in Tucker, with the Astros showing interest in pitcher Luis Gil, the reigning American League Rookie of the Year. However, New York might explore other options due to their experience of losing Juan Soto to free agency after one season.

Other Interested Parties


The Phillies and Giants have also expressed interest in Tucker, adding more intrigue to this winter's trade market. 

One year after trading Juan Soto, the San Diego Padres might be gearing up for another major trade. According to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman, the Padres are reportedly "listening" to offers for several star players, including Dylan Cease, Luis Arraez, and Xander Bogaerts.


Cease and Arraez are both set to become free agents next offseason, making them attractive trade targets. Bogaerts, however, presents a more complex situation. He's currently in the third year of an 11-year, $280 million contract and coming off a .688 OPS, his lowest since 2014.


Cease has been the subject of increased trade chatter recently, with reports from MLB.com's Mark Feinsand and MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi highlighting his potential availability amid rising prices for free-agent arms.

According to the New York Post, the Yankees and Cubs have made some progress in their trade discussions involving outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger. However, the deal is still on hold due to financial disagreements.

The Cubs are looking to offload Bellinger's contract entirely, as he is owed $27.5 million for the upcoming season. On the other hand, the Yankees want the Cubs to retain a portion of that salary. While there has been some movement in the negotiations, it remains unclear if the two sides will be able to come to an agreement.

Bellinger, who played last season on a $20 million club option, had a solid year with a 4.19 ERA over 165 1/3 innings. Despite his strong performance, his strikeout rate has declined over the past two seasons.

Veteran pitcher Charlie Morton is set on extending his illustrious career for an 18th big league season. After spending four years with the Atlanta Braves, Morton might need to find a new home for the upcoming year.

According to David O’Brien of The Athletic, Morton and the Braves have not engaged in recent contract discussions. Initial talks took place shortly after the postseason, but it seems Atlanta has shifted its focus towards other outfield and pitching options. While Morton is open to joining a new team, he has a preference for franchises that conduct Spring Training near his home in Bradenton, Florida. This includes teams like the Blue Jays, Rays, Yankees, Phillies, Orioles, Pirates, and Tigers.

​Morton completed the past season under a $20 million club option. With a robust pitching market, he might need to accept a reduced salary this winter. Throughout 30 starts, Morton posted a 4.19 ERA over 165 1/3 innings, with a 23.8% strikeout rate and a 46.3% ground-ball percentage. Despite this solid grounder rate, his strikeout numbers have dipped over the last two seasons, down from 28.2% in 2022 to 25.6% in 2023.

The Boston Red Sox appear to be looking in different directions as they shape their roster for the upcoming season. According to The Athletic, a union with free agent third baseman Alex Bregman "does not seem to be a priority" for the team. Instead, the Red Sox are exploring other avenues, including a potential trade for Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado or signing a free agent outfielder like Anthony Santander or Teoscar Hernández.


Acquiring Arenado would reunite him with former Rockies teammate Trevor Story on the left side of the infield. Such a move would likely shift Rafael Devers to first base or designated hitter, potentially opening up the opportunity to trade Triston Casas. While there are some concerns about Arenado's power decline last season, the hitter-friendly environment of Fenway Park could help mitigate those issues.


Anthony Santander, who recently hit 44 home runs for the Orioles, offers a powerful switch-hitting presence that could significantly bolster the Red Sox's lineup. Meanwhile, Teoscar Hernández, coming off a strong year with the World Series champion Dodgers and with prior experience in the AL East with the Blue Jays, is another intriguing option for Boston.

The Milwaukee Brewers have made a significant addition to their roster, signing free-agent left-handed pitcher Grant Wolfram to a major league contract. Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported the news, confirming that Wolfram has already passed his physical. This deal is a timely birthday present for Wolfram, who will turn 28 on Thursday. Represented by All Bases Covered Sports Management, Wolfram is joining a 40-man roster for the first time in his career.


Standing at an impressive 6'8", Wolfram has spent his professional career exclusively with the Texas Rangers organization. Over parts of three seasons in Double-A and another two in Triple-A, Wolfram has demonstrated his potential on the mound. While his Triple-A debut in 2023 was challenging, he rebounded with an excellent performance for the Rangers' top affiliate in Round Rock this past season. Wolfram posted a 3.34 ERA over 56 2/3 innings, boasting a solid 25.6% strikeout rate. Despite a higher-than-average 10.9% walk rate, Wolfram's ability to miss bats and generate ground balls (44.6% rate in 2024) has made him a promising addition to the Brewers' pitching staff.

The New York Yankees have reached an agreement with right-handed reliever Jonathan Loáisiga on a one-year contract, including a team option for the 2026 season, according to Jorge Castillo of ESPN. Despite concerns about Loáisiga's health following his internal brace surgery in April, Castillo reports that the pitcher is expected to return to the mound by late April 2025. Levi Luna first reported on X that the two sides were nearing a deal.


Loáisiga, 30, began his professional baseball journey with the San Francisco Giants as an international free agent in 2012. However, his career was marred by injuries, leading to his release by the Giants in 2015. The Yankees picked him up in 2016, but Loáisiga faced further setbacks, including a torn UCL that required Tommy John surgery and sidelined him until June 2017. Upon his return, he was outstanding, posting a 1.38 ERA and 2.17 FIP in 32.2 innings across Rookie Ball and Low-A. His performance earned him high rankings among prospects in New York's farm system.


Although Loáisiga struggled with injuries and inconsistent performance during his first three seasons in the majors (2018-20), his career took a turn for the better when he transitioned to a full-time relief role in 2021. His sinker, now reaching triple digits, became his go-to pitch, complemented by an unhittable curveball. Loáisiga delivered impressive results, finishing the season with a 2.17 ERA and 3.01 SIERA over 70 2/3 innings.


The Yankees' decision to bring back Loáisiga demonstrates their belief in his potential to be a key contributor to their bullpen despite his injury history. With his powerful arsenal and proven track record when healthy, Loáisiga could play a significant role in the Yankees' pitching staff for the upcoming season and beyond.

In a strategic move to strengthen their catching depth, the Boston Red Sox have acquired Carlos Narvaez from the New York Yankees. The trade, which also involved sending minor league pitcher Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz and international bonus pool space to the Yankees, highlights the Red Sox's commitment to building a competitive roster for the upcoming season.

Narvaez, known for his strong defensive skills and ability to control the running game, brings a valuable asset to the Red Sox. Although he has struggled with strikeouts in the minors, his impressive walk rates and power potential make him an intriguing prospect for Boston's future.

To make room for Narvaez on the 40-man roster, the Red Sox designated infielder Enmanuel Valdez for assignment. This move underscores the team's focus on optimizing their roster composition and ensuring they have the best possible lineup for the challenges ahead.

With former New York Yankees slugger Juan Soto now with the New York Mets, the Yankees face the challenge of filling a significant void in their lineup as they prepare for the 2025 season. One name that has emerged as a potential target is Chicago Cubs outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger. However, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, there are substantial obstacles to overcome for the Yankees and Cubs to finalize a deal.

Bellinger is set to earn $27.5 million in 2025 and $25 million in 2026, with an opt-out clause after the 2025 season. The Yankees are reportedly seeking financial assistance from the Cubs to cover part of Bellinger's salary, a condition that Chicago is currently unwilling to meet. This report follows closely on the heels of Heyman's colleague Joel Sherman's revelation that the Cubs are looking to move either Bellinger or Seiya Suzuki, with Sherman highlighting Bellinger as a perfect fit for the Yankees. Cubs president Jed Hoyer recently expressed his expectation that Suzuki will remain with the team, thereby increasing the likelihood of a Bellinger trade.

In the 2024 season, Bellinger hit .266/.325/.426, with 18 home runs and 78 RBIs, and recorded a 2.2 WAR. This marked his second season with the Cubs after starting his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers. As a Dodger, Bellinger achieved considerable success, including two All-Star appearances (2017, 2019), the 2019 NL MVP award, the 2017 NL Rookie of the Year award, and the 2018 NLCS MVP. He also played a key role in the Dodgers' 2020 World Series victory.

For the Yankees, acquiring Bellinger would address their need for a power-hitting lefty with positional versatility, capable of playing both outfield and first base—positions of need for the team.

Alex Bregman, who has spent his entire MLB career with the Houston Astros, is one of the top free agents this offseason. According to MLB's Mark Feinsand, four teams have shown significant interest in the talented third baseman: the Astros, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, and Detroit Tigers.


The Astros have reportedly offered Bregman a six-year, $156 million deal, but he is seeking a contract closer to $200 million. Bregman's teammates, including Jose Altuve, are hopeful he will return to Houston in 2025, prompting the team to make strategic moves to accommodate his potential return.


If the Red Sox decide to sign Bregman, he would likely transition to second base, allowing Rafael Devers to remain at third base. The Yankees' interest in Bregman has intensified following Juan Soto's signing with the New York Mets. Meanwhile, the Tigers are also keen on acquiring Bregman, though his price tag may be a challenge for Detroit.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are reportedly open to trading right-hander Mitch Keller, while Jared Jones is considered "very available," according to the Pittsburgh Post Gazette. This news follows the Pirates' recent trade, which sent three players, including righty Luis Ortiz, to acquire left-handed hitter Spencer Horwitz. The Pirates appear willing to continue trading pitching for offensive talent, and Keller and Jones could bring significant returns.


Mitch Keller, 28, is under contract for $69.5 million from 2025-28. In the 2024 season, he pitched 178 innings with an ERA that was close to the league average. Meanwhile, Jared Jones, 23, had an impressive rookie season, striking out 132 batters over 121 ⅔ innings. Although he missed some time due to injury, Jones still has five seasons of team control remaining, making him an attractive option for teams looking for young pitching talent.


One thing is clear: Pittsburgh will not trade Paul Skenes. Beyond Skenes, however, it seems everyone else is potentially available for the right price. The Pirates' willingness to trade key pitchers signals their strategy to strengthen their offensive lineup and build a more balanced team for the future.

Sean Manaea's inaugural season with the New York Mets was arguably the best of his nine-year career. The left-hander delivered an impressive 181 2/3 innings, marking a career-high, and posted a stellar 3.47 ERA, his best over a full season. Manaea's performance saw him rank among the top 10 in the National League in several key categories: ninth in strikeouts (184), fifth in WHIP (1.08), and third in opponents' batting average (.202).


Given such success, the Mets are reportedly optimistic about re-signing Manaea. According to SNY's Andy Martino, there's "increasing optimism" within the organization about a potential reunion. MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi also linked Manaea to the Mets, noting that the team continues to seek rotation help, even after acquiring Frankie Montas and Clay Holmes. Morosi suggested that Manaea's next contract could potentially be worth $100 million.


In the event that negotiations with Manaea fall through, the Mets are considering other options. One notable alternative is right-hander Nick Pivetta. Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that the Mets had a meeting scheduled with Pivetta's agents. Pivetta, who will turn 32 next season, posted a 4.09 ERA with an 11.1 K/9 rate over the past two seasons with the Boston Red Sox. However, signing Pivetta would require the Mets to forfeit a 2025 Draft pick due to his qualifying offer from Boston.

The Washington Nationals have joined the Los Angeles Angels and Toronto Blue Jays in expressing interest in free-agent infielder Gleyber Torres, according to the New York Post. Washington has explored the possibility of Torres moving to third base, a position he has only played briefly in the minors and never in the Major Leagues. The Nationals' current infield setup includes Luis García at second base and CJ Abrams at shortstop, with trade deadline acquisition José Tena penciled in as next year's third baseman and top prospect Brady House also primarily playing third base.


Torres, who turns 28 later this month, is among the youngest free agents available this offseason. Despite a down year with the New York Yankees in 2024, where he slashed .257/.330/.378, Torres showed promise after being moved to the leadoff spot in August and again during the postseason. He has a strong history of power hitting and maintains better-than-average strikeout rates. Given his age and his underwhelming 2024 performance, Torres might be open to a short-term "prove it" contract to rebuild his value and re-enter free agency in 2025.


The Nationals' interest in Torres highlights their ongoing efforts to bolster their lineup with experienced talent to complement their young core, which includes promising players like James Wood, Dylan Crews, and CJ Abrams. Adding a veteran like Torres could provide the offensive spark and leadership needed to help guide their young team to greater success.

Free agent first baseman Christian Walker is attracting attention from several teams, including the Washington Nationals, according to Fansided. 


Walker, who will be 34 next season, has emerged as a reliable power hitter and a three-time Gold Glove winner over the past few years. In the 2023 season, he played 130 games and posted a .251/.335/.468 batting line (121 OPS+), with 26 doubles, 26 home runs, 84 RBIs, and a WAR of 2.6. Despite being a late bloomer, Walker has solidified himself as a formidable presence at the plate and a defensive asset.


The Nationals are a logical fit for Walker. They boast a promising young core with players like James Wood, Dylan Crews, and CJ Abrams. Adding a seasoned power hitter like Walker could provide valuable leadership and offensive production, helping to nurture and support the development of their young talents.

The Texas Rangers have reached an agreement with right-hander Jacob Webb on a one-year deal, according to a report from Robert Murray of FanSided. While the financial terms of the contract have not yet been disclosed, this move adds depth to the Rangers' bullpen.


Webb, who most recently played for the Baltimore Orioles, has been a reliable bullpen piece over the past two seasons. In 2024, he posted a solid 3.02 ERA over 60 games, striking out 9.2 batters per nine innings. His consistency and ability to get key outs will be valuable for the Rangers as they look to improve their pitching staff.


The Rangers have been active this offseason, also re-signing Nathan Eovaldi and making other strategic moves to bolster their roster. With Webb joining the team, the Rangers are positioning themselves for a competitive season ahead.

The Boston Red Sox are on the verge of finalizing a trade to acquire left-handed pitcher Garrett Crochet from the Chicago White Sox, sources told ESPN. This strategic move leverages Boston's deep pool of prospects to secure one of the best starting pitchers available on the trade market.


As part of the deal, the Red Sox will send catcher Kyle Teel, outfielder Braden Montgomery, infielder Chase Meidroth, and right-hander Wikelman Gonzalez to the White Sox. This exchange highlights Boston's commitment to strengthening their pitching staff by adding top-tier talent.


Crochet excelled in his first season in the White Sox's rotation after transitioning from a relief role. The 25-year-old was dominant over 146 innings, striking out 209 batters while issuing only 33 walks. With a fastball that averages 97 mph, complemented by a high-end slider and an effective cutter, Crochet emerged as a frontline starter—the exact type of pitcher the Red Sox need as they look to rebound from a challenging five-year period that saw them finish last in the American League East three times.


Initial discussions between the teams explored multiple iterations of the trade, but talks accelerated after Boston's unsuccessful attempts to sign outfielder Juan Soto, left-hander Max Fried, and right-hander Nathan Eovaldi.

Crochet will join a rotation featuring right-handers Tanner Houck, Lucas Giolito, Brayan Bello, and Kutter Crawford. With his impressive track record, Crochet is likely to be considered for the Opening Day start, signaling a new era for the Red Sox pitching staff.

According to a report from SI.com, the Philadelphia Phillies have shown interest in former Angels left-hander Patrick Sandoval. The Angels opted to non-tender Sandoval, who was their 2024 Opening Day starter, to avoid paying him a projected $6 million salary while he rehabilitates from Tommy John surgery, which he underwent in June. As a result, Sandoval is expected to miss most, if not all, of the 2025 season.


When healthy, Sandoval excels at generating ground balls and limiting hard contact, qualities that the Phillies value in their pitchers, such as Ranger Suárez and Cristopher Sánchez. The team that signs Sandoval would likely place him on the 60-day injured list during his recovery next year, with the expectation of him contributing in 2026. At 28 years old, Sandoval would remain under team control as an arbitration-eligible player in 2026. However, to secure his services, a two-year guaranteed contract might be necessary, effectively locking him in for the 2026 season.

The New York Mets are scheduled to meet with free agent starting pitcher Nick Pivetta on Wednesday, according to the New York Post. Following the high-profile signing of Juan Soto, which solidifies an already potent offense, the Mets are now focusing on bolstering their pitching staff. This offseason, they have already added Frankie Montas and reliever Clay Holmes, who is expected to transition to a starting role.


Currently, the Mets' projected rotation includes Kodai Senga, Frankie Montas, Clay Holmes, David Peterson, and Paul Blackburn. However, the addition of Pivetta could further enhance their pitching depth.


Pivetta, 31, has spent the last four-plus seasons with the Boston Red Sox. In 2023, he logged 145 ⅔ innings, posting a 4.14 ERA (103 ERA+) and a 1.13 WHIP, along with 172 strikeouts. Pivetta also has experience in the NL East, having started in four different seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies.

Before Max Fried signed with the Yankees, the Texas Rangers reportedly offered him a seven-year contract worth $190 million, according to the New York Post. After missing out on Fried, the Rangers quickly pivoted and re-signed Nathan Eovaldi to a three-year deal worth $75 million. Interestingly, both contracts have a similar average annual value, meaning the Rangers would have spent roughly the same amount of money in the short term with either pitcher. The key difference would have been the long-term financial commitment, particularly in Years 4-7 of Fried's contract.


The Rangers' aggressive move for Fried raises questions about their financial strategy moving forward. With the re-signing of Eovaldi and the recent acquisition of Jake Burger, who has a near league minimum salary, it's unclear if the Rangers are still willing to spend big or if they have simply reallocated their 2025 dollars differently.


As the 2023 World Series champions, the Rangers are looking to maintain their competitive edge. While their position player group appears mostly set, barring any trades involving Adolis García, the team could benefit from additional pitching depth, particularly in the bullpen.

Right-hander Corbin Burnes entered this offseason as the top rotation option available in free agency. However, with last night's reported agreement between the Yankees and Max Fried, Burnes now stands as the only ace-level pitcher remaining on the open market. This position should strengthen Burnes' chances of exceeding MLBTR’s projected seven-year, $200 million contract.


While the Boston Red Sox reportedly made a formal offer for Burnes yesterday, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com characterized the Blue Jays and Giants as the “most aggressive” teams in their pursuit of the star pitcher. Feinsand also noted that the Red Sox appear hesitant to spend at the level necessary to land Burnes.


Toronto, considered the “favorite” to sign Burnes, has been active in the free-agent market this winter. They recently agreed to terms with right-hander Yimi Garcia and traded for infielder Andres Gimenez and righty Nick Sandlin from the Guardians. These moves helped address the bullpen and infield, but the rotation remains a priority. The Jays traded lefty Yusei Kikuchi at the deadline, face the potential free agency departure of Chris Bassitt next winter, and saw Kevin Gausman regress last year. Given these needs, adding a top-of-the-rotation arm like Burnes makes sense.


Similarly, the Giants have a significant gap in their rotation after losing southpaw Blake Snell to the Dodgers. While San Francisco has been active in the upper levels of free agency in recent years, they may face financial challenges. Rumors suggest the Giants might scale back payroll this winter, making it difficult to sign Burnes. Sources told Feinsand they were skeptical about San Francisco outbidding Toronto if the Jays are determined to secure Burnes.


Interestingly, Feinsand’s report highlights the Red Sox's apparent pessimism as a suitor for Burnes. Despite their plans to be aggressive this offseason, particularly in pursuit of front-of-the-rotation arms, the Sox may be hesitant to invest heavily in Burnes. With Fried and Snell off the market, Burnes is the last clear ace available. If they miss out, the Red Sox could pursue a reunion with right-hander Nick Pivetta, though his 4.29 ERA over five seasons doesn't fit a front-of-the-rotation profile.

The 2024 Rule 5 Draft is set to take place this afternoon at 1 PM Central time during the Winter Meetings in Dallas. This event offers a unique opportunity for teams to acquire talented players who might otherwise be blocked by their current clubs. 


As a quick refresher, the Rule 5 Draft allows teams to select players who were 18 or younger at the time of their original signing and have played five professional seasons, or players who signed at 19 or older and have four professional seasons, provided they are not on a club’s 40-man roster. The selection order is determined by the reverse standings from the previous season, and teams must have an open 40-man roster spot to make a pick.


The first pick of this year's draft has already been reported by Jonathan Mayo of MLB Pipeline: the White Sox selected RHP Shane Smith from the Brewers.


Last year saw some notable players change teams, such as Mitch Spence going from the Yankees to the A's and Justin Slaten moving from the Rangers to the Mets (and then to the Red Sox). Other recent successful picks include Anthony Santander and Ryan Pressly, while historic names like George Bell and Roberto Clemente also came from the Rule 5 Draft.

Yesterday, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reported that the Los Angeles Angels are close to trading an outfielder. While no deal has been finalized, talks seem to be ongoing. Although it wasn’t specified which outfielder might be on the move, Feinsand suggested that Taylor Ward could be a likely candidate, given the rumors of other clubs showing interest in him. However, Ward’s agent, Joel Wolfe, told Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register that he hadn’t heard anything about trade discussions involving his client. This doesn't necessarily mean talks aren’t happening, but it has sparked some speculation.


Members of the Atlanta beat, like David O’Brien of The Athletic and Mark Bowman of MLB.com, reported that if there is a trade involving Ward, it won’t be with Atlanta.


Ward has long seemed like a logical trade candidate. With the Angels struggling to compete in recent years, there has been natural speculation about veteran players with limited years of club control remaining. Ward, who will turn 31 this Saturday, is under team control for two more seasons via arbitration.


If the Angels were considering a rebuild, trading Ward for younger, more controllable players would make sense. However, despite losing 99 games last season, the Halos are clearly aiming to compete in 2025. Both owner Arte Moreno and general manager Perry Minasian have expressed their intent to contend this winter, evident by their acquisitions of Yusei Kikuchi, Jorge Soler, Travis d’Arnaud, Kyle Hendricks, and others.